Trump Administration Weighs Major Cuts to U.S. Embassies, Consulates
The Trump administration is considering closing nearly 30 U.S. embassies and consulates, potentially slashing diplomatic services worldwide. The proposed cuts would reduce staffing, eliminate key programs, and could drastically delay visa processing, green card services, and emergency support for Americans abroad. Immigrants may face longer wait times and higher travel costs to access consular services. Although still under review, the plan would need congressional approval and is already drawing bipartisan concern over its impact on U.S. diplomacy and national security.
Trump Administration Restores Student Status, But Deportation Threats Remain
The Trump administration temporarily restored legal status for thousands of international students after facing a wave of lawsuits, but officials warned that visa terminations could still resume. Immigration authorities had deleted student records from a federal database, causing panic and prompting emergency court orders. Although SEVIS access has been restored, many students still face uncertainty about future deportation risks. Lawsuits continue, with judges questioning the legality of the administrationās actions, especially amid concerns students were targeted for minor infractions or political speech.
Trump Administration Fires Immigration Judges, Raising Due Process Fears
The Trump administration has fired dozens of immigration judges and court staff, fueling concerns about political interference and weakening due process protections for immigrants. Critics say the move could worsen the already massive case backlog and pressure judges to fast-track deportations. Legal scholars and lawmakers say the firings align with broader efforts to speed up removals and curb immigrants’ access to fair hearings. Some judges were removed mid-case, and a class appeal has been filed over the dismissals. Immigration courts, which lack full judicial independence, now face growing uncertainty under the administrationās changes.
American Citizens Caught Up in Trump Immigration Crackdown
A 19-year-old U.S. citizen, Jose Hermosillo, was detained by immigration agents for 10 days, highlighting growing concerns over American citizens being swept up in the Trump administrationās immigration crackdown. Officials claim Hermosillo identified as a Mexican citizen, but his family disputes that, saying authorities ignored proof of his U.S. citizenship. Similar incidents involving Indigenous people and Puerto Ricans have raised alarms about wrongful detentions. Critics argue that despite claims of targeting criminals, the administrationās actions are increasingly ensnaring citizens with no criminal record or immigration violations.
Immigrants Face Rising Risk of Arrest at Routine Check-Ins, Lawyers Warn
Immigration lawyers are notifying clients that routine check-ins and court hearings are increasingly leading to on-the-spot arrests, even for those without criminal records. In one case, Josue Aguilar, a longtime U.S. resident married to a U.S. citizen, was detained during a green card interview despite an approved petition. Under the Trump administration, deportations are being prioritized over previous policies that focused on serious offenders. Fear of detention is now prompting many immigrants to skip appointments, creating even greater uncertainty for families already living in legal limbo.